A Christmas Finale is a new work from Paul Lovatt-Cooper. As the title suggests, it is designed as a closing number for a Christmas concert and several popular Christmas favourites are skilfully woven into what is an appealing and cleverly constructed piece. Written in three sections, the fast opening section has an attractive upbeat feel, with the melodies coming thick and fast in dazzling counterpoint. The slower central section has a suitably ëmagicalí quality with a particularly lovely arrangement of Away in a Manger in 4/4 time, written as a cornet solo. The final section begins with a bright and powerful fanfare into which emerges a triumphal setting of O Come All Ye Faithful, bringing the work (and possibly an entire concert) to a dramatic and powerful close. I would suggest that A Christmas Final would be suitable for a good 2nd Section band upwards. Scored for three percussionists (including timpani), although the percussion parts are very busy, they are also very playable. A Christmas Finale is an attractive new piece, which should prove popular with both audiences and players.

Andrew Duncan
British Bandsman, Saturday 11th November 2006